CRO'S CORNER

The Chargers traded cornerback Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets Thursday night for a third-round pick in 2011.

The pick could become a second-rounder if Cromartie signs a long-term deal with the Jets, reaches a certain playing-time threshold or the Jets win the AFC East.

Thus ends a relationship that began so grandly but fizzled and threatened to become a serious distraction had it gone on much longer.

“I think it’s good for both parties,” said Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer, one of Cromartie’s closest friends on the team. “Cro got his wish, and the Chargers got their wish.”

Cromartie had 10 interceptions in 2007, his second season after the Chargers made him the 19th overall pick in the ’06 draft.

After playing through a hip injury and admittedly being distracted by off-the-field issues in 2008, Cromartie played well much of 2009. But he had just five interceptions over the past two seasons, even as he struggled with paternity and financial issues away from the game. Moreover, teammates and coaches tired of his attitude and antics. He was accosted at least twice by linebacker Shawne Merriman in the past year over a lack of effort, and several teammates have quietly wished him good riddance.

Jammer, who attempted to mentor Cromartie and remained his staunchest supporter, said the real Cromartie was not known in San Diego.

“A lot of the antics were maybe techniques to get him traded,” Jammer said. “The person he is, that was not him. I think he got exactly what he wanted.”

The irony of Cromartie’s destination is that it was a few plays against the New York Jets in the Chargers’ Jan. 17 playoff loss that summed up Cromartie’s lack of physicality and brought widespread wrath from fans.

In reality, that game — including his non-attempt to tackle Shonn Greene on a Jets touchdown — had nothing to do with Cromartie’s departure. Cromartie, 25, had essentially been on the trading block for a year. The Chargers first made it known to other teams that he was available last March, and they continued entertaining conversations through the October trading deadline.

He became available again this offseason, and the Jets covet him for his man-to-man coverage skills. In their defense, playing opposite Darrelle Revis, Cromartie could flourish. He had frequently complained about how much zone coverage the Chargers played.

The Chargers will turn to Antoine Cason to replace Cromartie, and they will also look to draft a cornerback next month.

Cason was selected with the 27th pick in the 2008 draft. He was replaced as the Chargers’ No. 1 nickel back in 2009, but the Chargers have always seen him as being better suited outside at corner.